Why Does the Gardener Prune?

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” —John 15:2, 3, NKJV

One of my favorite descriptions of what it means to be in Christ is the analogy of Christ as the Vine and us as the branches. This describes a special connection.

I have always wanted to be a fruit-bearing branch, not one that will end up being tossed into the fire. Flowers outside my window are a joy for me. When I open my blinds in the morning, I am always overjoyed to see their colorful blooms.

Yet, to keep them abundant with bloom, I must either deadhead the spent blooms or prune the nonbearing plants. I know that this must be done, but it is always an emotional struggle for me. I have wondered if I hurt my plants. I freely confess that I talk to my plants. For me it is like when I corrected my children’s misbehaviors in the past.

“This is more painful for me than it is for you,” I would tell them. I loved them and did not want to cause them any discomfort. Reprimands never feel good, but sometimes they are exactly what is needed. Pruned plants grow more abundantly with their blooms or fruit after pruning. Why is that? It is because pruning is a cleansing process, preparing the plant for sweeter fruit or more beautiful blooms. I had read John 15 for seventy years before I applied it to myself in a physical way. I had always taken it only as a spiritual cleaning.

But I see it now as physical too. For many years I have endured pain 24/7. I am a writer and am unable to take medication or do many of the prescribed protocols that help some people deal with pain. I have never asked God, “Why?” But I ask Him for relief. John 15 now helps me to understand that the Husbandman, God, is pruning me so I can continue to minister. He has allowed me to reach an advanced age and to cope with the constant pain because I must write. It diverts my mind from the pain, and when I minister through my writing, I am producing better blooms and sweeter fruit that blesses others—far more in my old age than in earlier years. As He prunes me, I rejoice in the privilege of blooming for His glory.

Betty Kossick (deceased)